Event Planner/Manager - Outdoor Artist Markets

Do you light up when you discover a talented jewelry maker? Do you love shopping from independent makers and supporting local businesses? Do you obsessively build moodboards like it’s your reason for being? Makers Market is looking for a highly driven, entrepreneurial Event Manager to help grow and strengthen our community of Bay Area artists, makers, and creative small businesses. This role is equal parts business development, curator, relationship-builder, and operator. You'll recruit exceptional makers, build thriving outdoor market events, identify new revenue growth opportunities, promote these events, and champion the Makers Market mission. We're looking for someone who genuinely believes in craftsmanship, creativity, and supporting independent businesses. Someone with taste. Someone who gets excited about discovering talented makers and helping them succeed. Someone who understands that great markets are curated, not merely assembled. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is the opportunity to work alongside talented artists, makers, and craftspeople who create truly exceptional and distinctive products. Every market brings together passionate entrepreneurs who have poured themselves into building something meaningful, and you'll have the privilege of helping them grow. Over the years, Makers Market has helped many independent makers transform side projects and creative passions into thriving, sustainable businesses. We believe craftsmanship matters, and we are proud to champion the people keeping those traditions alive. If you find joy in discovering remarkable talent, supporting small businesses, and helping creative entrepreneurs succeed, you'll find tremendous purpose in this work. Success in this role is measured by results: vibrant markets, strong maker participation, exceptional execution, and continued growth. This position offers considerable autonomy and flexibility, but with that comes ownership and accountability. Join our mission to Rebuild the Legacy of American-Made by championing skilled, independent craftspeople across the country.

GROWTH & CURATION

Build thriving monthly outdoor artist markets with a target occupancy rate of 93% or greater across all events. Review and thoughtfully curate maker applications to maintain a compelling, diverse, and high-quality mix of makers and categories that are in line with the Makers Market brand and exemplary of our mission statement to Restore the Legacy of American Made. Recruit exceptional artists, brands, and makers through outreach, referrals, social media, competing events, and local creative communities. Build long-term relationships with makers to encourage repeat participation and strengthen our maker community. Identify emerging trends and exciting new makers that align with the Makers Market brand and aesthetic. Monitor competing markets and events to ensure Makers Market remains fresh, differentiated, and relevant.

MARKET EXPANSION & PARTNERSHIPS

Identify, evaluate, and pursue opportunities for new outdoor market locations and partnerships. Build strong relationships with property managers and community partners. Coordinate negotiation and agreements for new and existing market locations. Drive the launch of at least ten new market events annually through new locations or expanded calendars. Continually seek opportunities to strengthen revenue and grow the Makers Market footprint. Manage the successful execution of monthly outdoor artist markets across Bay Area locations including Napa, Mill Valley, Walnut Creek, Santana Row, and Los Gatos. Coordinate maker communication, event layouts, staffing, and day-of operations. Recruit and coordinate musicians and experiential elements. Partner with store teams to support maker pop-ups, workshops, and other activations. Quickly resolve issues and ensure an exceptional experience for makers, customers, and partners.

MARKETING SUPPORT

Support market promotion through local digital and print publications, social media, photography, and content creation. Capture photos and videos during markets for future use. Coordinate promotional opportunities with store properties and internal teams.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

Loves the maker movement and believes deeply in supporting artists, makers, and small businesses. Has an eye for design, craftsmanship, merchandising, and quality. Is entrepreneurial, proactive, and highly self-directed. Is energized by goals, growth, and creating results. Enjoys building relationships and pursuing opportunities. Thrives with autonomy, ownership, and accountability. Can comfortably move between strategic thinking, administration, and hands-on execution. Is resourceful and enjoys wearing multiple hats. Has experience in partnerships, retail, merchandising, hospitality, vendor relations, business development, or related fields. Has reliable transportation and can travel throughout the Bay Area as needed. Has availability for some Saturdays and occasional Sundays.

THIS ROLE IS FOR BUILDERS

This is not a traditional Monday-through-Friday desk job and it is not a passive coordination role. Success in this position comes from initiative, ownership, and follow-through. The right person is energized by pursuing opportunities, building relationships, and creating results. They don't wait to be told what to do—they identify opportunities, solve problems, and continually look for ways to strengthen and grow our markets. We value ownership, hustle, and a genuine passion for helping makers thrive.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$70,500 annual salary Performance-based bonus opportunities tied to market occupancy and successful market execution Medical, dental, and vision insurance options available #J-18808-Ljbffr Makers Market